1. Buy the Right Hammock

Make sure to buy a model specifically designed for camping. Avoid cheap knock-offs. As hammock camping becomes more popular, the number of low-quality hammocks go up.

I look for a model that uses high-strength, durable materials (like triple-stitched 70-denier nylon taffeta) and is rated for well over my weight (I’m around 170 pounds and prefer a hammock that supports around 400 pounds). A reputable brand name never hurts either.

2. Try It Out Before You Camp

One of my best hammock camping tips is to try out your hammock before you go camping with it!

Don’t just head out into the wilderness without using it at home first. Open up the package, set the hammock up (in your backyard or a park), and make sure you’re comfortable in it.

This will ensure that you know how to set it up when you get to your campsite. It also ensures that you can make the necessary adjustments until you’re comfortable with it.

If possible, I recommend spending a night sleeping in your new camping hammock in your backyard before you camp in the wilderness.

3. Choose the Right Spot

Don’t just pitch your hammock anywhere. Finding the right spot not only makes hammock camping more enjoyable, but it also makes it far safer.

Of course, the most important requirement is two places to anchor the hammock straps (usually trees). These should be sturdy enough to support your weight in the hammock.

Make sure that the trees are solid higher up too. Don’t camp underneath any loose branches or branches that are likely to break in cold, wet, or windy weather. The danger of widow makers is all too real.

Finally, I prefer to pitch my hammock somewhere with a natural wind block and away from areas where cold pools.

Examples of good wind blocks are boulders or dense thickets of trees. Cold air pools in basins and other low-lying areas, so I stick to higher ground (without going too high where the wind is stronger!).

4. Pitch Your Hammock Correctly

The biggest hammock camping mistake I see is improperly pitched hammocks.

Take some time before you go to learn how to pitch your hammock the right way. The most important tip is to let your hammock hang loose. Too many beginners pitch their hammock with way too little slack.

A 30-degree angle to the trees the hammock is attached to is a good starting point. Adjust from here to find the most comfortable position.

You must also avoid hanging your hammock too high. Pitch it low to the ground (but not so low you’ll touch!), so that it’s easy to get in and out of your hammock.

5. Lay in Your Hammock Correctly

Just as important as pitching your hammock correctly is learning to lay in it correctly.

Adhering to this and other hammock camping tips will greatly improve your sleep. The key is to lay in your hammock at an angle.

If you pitch your hammock with enough slack, you’ll easily be able to lay angled. The angled position is the most comfortable sleeping position in my opinion. It also prevents the sides of the hammock from bunching up during the night.

Play around with your sleeping position until you find the one that works for you.

6. Know Your Hammock’s Features

The best camping hammocks come with a number of additional features.

My favorite is the gear pocket. Basically, the gear pocket is an attached stuff sack. It’s what your hammock balls down into during transport and storage.

When you’re using the hammock, the gear pocket is the perfect place to stash all of your important belongings.

I keep my phone, wallet, and keys in the gear pocket as well as a flashlight, a water bottle, and a snack. Basically, I stash anything I’ll need during the night in there.

7. Use Your Hammock as a Chair

Another reason I like to pitch my hammock fairly low to the ground is so that it doubles as a chair.

Pitch your hammock so that it hangs at about waist height with the right amount of slack. Now you can sit in it like a camping chair.

This is one of the hammock camping tips I use the most when I’m backpacking. (I’m trying to save weight so I obviously don’t want to bring a chair along.) But the method is so comfortable that it’s also my go to when car camping!

8. Stay Warm in Your Hammock

One of the most important hammock camping tips is to learn how to stay warm in your hammock.

Cold air will circulate underneath since you’re hanging above the ground. This leads to the dreaded “cold butt” even during warmer nights.

12. Try a Pillow

One of the hammock camping tips that I recommend for everyone is to try a pillow.

The fact is that sleeping in a hammock can take some getting used to. Using a pillow makes it more similar to sleeping in a tent or even in your own bed. A pillow can also help you find the right sleeping angle in your hammock.

14. Consider a Two-Person Hammock

The number one reason to buy a two-person camping hammock is if you plan to hammock camp with another person.

Of course, you must be close to your camping partner if you plan to go this route. Sleeping in a two-person camping hammock with another person is awfully cozy.

That said, they’re a great option for camping with a significant other. I sometimes like using mine when I’m camping alone for a more spacious experience. I’ve even used my two-person hammock while camping with my dog.

17. Bring a Tent the First Time

To echo one of the above hammock camping tips, bring a tent on your first hammock camping outing.

The reason is so that you can switch to a tent if you find your hammock uncomfortable. Once again, hammock camping isn’t for everyone. It’s better to be prepared with a backup plan than being forced to suffer a night of fitful sleep.

(I doubt you’ll switch to the tent though – camping hammocks are super comfortable when used correctly!)

20. Practice Makes Perfect

One thing that I’ve learned over the years is that Murphy’s Law (“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”) almost always holds true.

Of course, proper planning reduces the risk of mistakes greatly, you should know that your first hammock camping probably trip won’t go perfectly. Maybe you forget an important item. Maybe you struggle to set up your hammock. Maybe you don’t pack enough insulation.

The key is to learn from these mistakes. Practice makes perfect in hammock camping as it does in life.

Final Thoughts

Hammock camping is a lot more fun when you come prepared.

So, use our top 20 hammock camping tips so that you buy the right hammock, bring the right gear, set everything up properly, and sleep comfortably through the night.

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My name is Ryan Cunningham and I'm on a mission. I want to get families, singles, anyone and everyone outdoors and enjoying the world of camping! You'll find everything you need to get started here. Oh, and make sure to comment or email me, I love hearing from our readers!

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